Mixed Media Blog

July 17, 2015

Central Bank covers admission charges for all Bahamians and
residents at the NAGB next month

In true standing with its mission
to serve as much as a reservoir for cultural wealth as monetary wealth, Central
Bank of The Bahamas is encouraging the general public to use the summer
holidays as an opportunity to soak up both the sun and some of the best in
Bahamian culture and fine art. The bank has demonstrated its commitment to
developing fine artists for more than three decades.

Under the governance of T.
Baswell Donaldson, in the 1980s it began investing in artwork to adorn its
headquarters downtown. Wanting to further the bank’s involvement in developing
the country’s art movement, then Central Bank Governor Sir William Allen
enlisted the help of artist Antonius Roberts, who spearheaded the bank’s annual
competitions for high school
students and artists under 26, respectively. In doing so, Central Bank hoped to
encourage young Bahamians to pursue art while adding to its collection
simultaneously.

Contest winners are selected by a panel of
judges and receive cash prizes. Traditionally, the winning pieces of the High
School and Open Category Competitions would also join the Central Bank
collection. To encourage even more artists, the bank established its Governor’s
Choice Award (GCA). At each competition, the bank’s governor selects his or her
favorite piece, which then joins the bank’s collection.

With hopes of offering a continuous
display of artwork to the public, the bank went a step further and repurposed
its reception area on Market Street and Trinity Place into a gallery space.

Continuing
the mission, Central Bank is now encouraging locals to engage with other
creative spaces; the bank has pledged to cover the cost of admission for
Bahamians and residents throughout the month of July. In celebration of
Bahamian independence, locals can demonstrate their patriotism by supporting
Bahamian artists whose works are currently on display at the National Art
Gallery. This is particularly true for younger and developing artists, who
competed in the bank’s competitions and whose works have joined the bank’s
collection.

“We would encourage more Bahamians to come away with a fuller appreciation
for the arts—no matter what form, and really to see the arts as a worthwhile
area to support, as the benefits go far beyond what is viewed—to the
transformation and enrichment of our lives,” said Central Bank Governor Wendy
Craigg.

During their visits, guests will
have the opportunity to see samples of these works in the NAGB’s temporary
exhibition Celebrating 40 Years of The Central Bank: A Pillar of Arts
Commitment. Celebrating 40 Years features artwork documenting the bank’s
history from its establishment to current day operations. The exhibition gives
guests the opportunity to see early works from some of the country’s foremost
artists, like Antonius Roberts and Dionne Benjamin Smith. These are shown
alongside works by up-and-coming creatives whose talents have won the hearts of
bank judges and governors.

“The exhibition at the NAGB showcases the
journey of Bahamian art and artists through the past 40 years,” said
Craigg. “It provides a unique opportunity for Bahamians to see works that
are normally inaccessible to the public and to experience the cultural
diversity and artistic richness of The Bahamas, through the eyes of a large
number of signature Bahamian artists—many of whose works on display date back
to their teenage years. This is quite an interesting historical
perspective on the development and success of the visual arts in The Bahamas.”

The National Art Gallery of The
Bahamas is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on
Sundays. Throughout the month of July, Bahamians and residents enjoy free
access to the art galleries, every day of the week – except Monday, when the
gallery is closed – courtesy of Central Bank of The Bahamas. To find out more
about the NAGB, visit its website at www.nagb.org.bs or
Facebook page, or call 328-5800.